I like to search for the truth, but hope that through my books readers can discover not just the truth, but also an understanding of the past. (Mark Greenwood)
During the week I was incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to listen to Mark Greenwood speak to Year 9 students about his writing process. Mark is a born storyteller whose passion for history and writing shines brightly!
On his website, Mark describes himself as a history hunter who enjoys searching for lost explorers and glittering treasure, solving famous cold cases and delving into Australian history's most baffling mysteries. Mark passionately shared engaging stories behind his books with us. He does lots of research looking for 'little personal stories' that he can shape into a story to connect his readers to the larger historical story.
Mark's stories often begin with an artefact or an old photo. He told us how his story of Midnight was sparked by a photo he saw at a school in Queensland of the famous light horse battle charge at Beersheeba that changed the course of WW1. Mark started thinking about how he could tell the story of one horse and one rider from the 800 in the battle. Through his research he discovered Guy Bloomfield. His research led him to the Hunter Valley in NSW where Midnight was born and access to Guy's letters from the battlefields, the actual bullet that missed his spine and Mark even travelled to Beersheeba to retrace Guy and Midnight's last few days. The amount of research Mark does is amazing, but this is what really brings his stories to life and helps his readers make deeper personal connections with the subjects of his story.
Mark's next book due to be published in August is called The Happiness Box set in Changi Prison. The idea for this story was sparked when Mark saw an old faded book called The Happiness Box at National Treasures Exhibition in Canberra. This book was made as a Christmas present in 1942 by a group of Allied prisoners-of-war in Selarang Barracks, Singapore for the children of nearby Changi Jail. You can read more about The Happiness Box HERE
After Mark's engaging presentation, I told him that I had read his book Ned Kelly and the Green Sash to Year 5 students as part of our Ned Kelly unit last year. Imagine how surprised and impressed I was when he took out a small cloth pouch and unravelled his replica of Ned Kelly's green sash!
If you enjoy digging into history and solving mysteries then take a look at all of Mark's books including his fascinating History Mysteries series and watch some book trailers on his website
Happy reading!
Teaching notes for Mark's books